I thought about starting up another feedback page, but the one I already have
up started to be too much of an irritation with all the spammers hitting it. It
wouldn't have been an honest page if I edited it so it was always left as it
was. But I can see the use for a page I can just add some of the many letters I
get post sale. Not to sound like an old sap but these are the kinds of letters
that make you feel really good about what you do, and I'd almost say "make it
all worthwhile". But then, let's not kid ourselves, I work for the profit
margin, so these are just a nice perk ;o}

Thanks to one and all who find your letters posted here.

Rich!

How goes it ? Its me, Winston from Denver. Its been a couple of months now and I
just wanted to drop you a line to say much thanks for the guitar and your
service. You've got many customers, so let me refresh the memory. Its the red RG
1570 with custom DiMarzio pickups. Im hoping you remember, cuz it was quite an
ordeal with DiMarzio. Well, this is all hind sight, but every bit of the delay
was worth it.

Over the weekend I got together with a new local band and just jammed with 'em
over some 80's cover tunes. The band's guitarist also had an RG 1570 .... the
black one and it looked cool too. We traded guitars and did the "show and tell
thing", but feeling the two guitars became apparent that the two RG 1570 were
NOT alike; from the fret work to the trem set up .... his RG felt so " box
-stock". The point here is, I believe Ibanez makes great guitars but its the
little things like attention to the detail and proper setup that really
separates a good guitar from a great guitar... and I don't have to tell you who
had the great guitar that night.

I just wanted to give credit where its properly due. Thanks Rich for your
service. BTW... I still think about the PGM 301.. ALOT, but I just can't seem to
put down this RG, it calls to me. You know what I mean ?!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas!!

Winston
Denver, CO

11/24/08

>quite an ordeal with DiMarzio -
This was a set with Black / Red humbuckers with a reversed coil neck pickup for
typical Ibanez HSH wiring. The first set Dimarzio sent, the neck pickup was not
reverse coil. It was returned, and the replacement was a completely different
red. Both humbuckers were sent back to make sure they were color matched, and
upon final installation I realized *I* had screwed up and hadn't ordered the
single as reverse polarity, leading to another 10 day delay. It wasn't all
Dimarzio's fault, I have to admit my part of this Murphy's Law pickup order.

Hi Rich,

I bought a Jem7VWH from you about a month ago and just wanted to let you know
how happy I am with the purchase. No doubt about it, I made the right decision.
Plays awesome, stays in tune and just feels right. The fret end dressing and the
oiled rosewood finish it off. Like I tell my wife, sometimes you can't put your
finger on exactly what the difference is but "the good is in the details" as
Neil Peart says and all the attention to the details makes the whole thing more
than the sum of its parts.

Thanks for the great service and quality work. If you ever need a reference feel
free to use me.

- Ken C., New Hartford, NY

3/10/08

Hey Rich,
It's been a year now and the three JS1200's I ordered from you have been
fantastic. They've been problem-free and I've pretty much gotten used to doing
the string changes now. There was definitely a learning curve. All in all it's
been a great change for me as I only owned Fenders in the past. I now have a
FRED in the neck positions and the MO'JOE still in the bridges. It's a pretty
cool set-up. Anyway, I just thought I'd check in and thank you again for the
outstanding guitars and set-up. I'll be purchasing some more from you in the
future. (I'm a really picky guitarist when it comes to quality and I'm more than
satisfied.)

Sincerely,
John Sielski

3/24/08

Rich,
Two quick things:
1) Did you end up putting 10 gauge strings on the guitar? If not, no biggie, I
just want to make sure I buy the same gauge in the future.
2) You've lived up to your reputation and exceeded my expectations. You have top
notch quality control. I went to town on checking out the guitar (making sure
new pickups were wired correctly, played chromatic runs at every fret position
on every string, checked the intonation, etc). This guitar blows my mind.
Seriously, thanks dude. In case you missed that last part...

YOU ROCK

- Jason

P.S. I'm not easily satisfied, especially on big ticket items,

3/24/08 [2 in the same day] [this was an RGT220 that had 1mm+
nut height, string alignment off to the bass side 1mm+, and to top it off short
drilled claw screw holes so that 1 of the screws broke 1/4" inside the body, had
to be ground out, plugged, and redrilled, along with normal enhancements and
adjustments of course. I could say a lot of jobs were tough, but this one was a
true pain]

Hi Rich, guitar got here today, in one piece. It's
crap. Naaaaw! I've had to put it down 'cause my hand is hurting quite a bit and
I'm playing all day at work tomorrow. Still got it where I can see it tho! I'm
just beginning to get a feel for it but the original idea was to get something
to play for life and I'm sure this is it. If electric guitars get any better
than this well, I just don't wanna know! It sounds as good as it looks and I
don't think even my Mesa Road King does it justice. Some one has dropped it in
transit though, the case has a slight crack where the strap button has rammed
into it. The guitar is fine and that's all I'm bothered about since I can't see
any situations coming anytime soon that will mean taking it out of the studio.
There's no way I'm leaving this propped up in a bar! My old one will be
gracefully retired now, with all due pomp and ceremony, with full military
honours. This neck is fuller but it's growing on me mucho already and I can't
get over just how beautiful the guitar is. Hardly dared touch it at first! There
seems to be no sound it won't make either, I've had Kossoff (Free) and Knopfler
(Dire Straits) already and there's much more to come. I think you can say I like
it... a lot. To think I could have wasted another $4000 on a Gibbon LP. I've
made a slight tweak to the pickup heights (bass lower & angled a bit, treble
higher) but apart from that the set up is also spot on. I am staggered to be one
of the 45 owners of these worldwide. Lil' ol' me got one!!

Thanks Rich. [His name also]

AR5000 to the UK
3/25/08

I talked to my Dad today and he gave me some great
news. UPS dropped it off yesterday but his lazy ass didn't get to it until I
went to sleep, damn this time difference. Here is what he had to say.

First, when he opened the case, which he said was brand new, he liked the darm
red color lining, but the color of the guitar blew him away. He said it reminds
him of the Hulk, I found that funny.

After he picked his jaw up off the floor he plugged it into the Bose system he
has, along with some other electronic processors, and said it sounds totally
different than anything he has ever heard. I told him it has different pickups,
but I think that is less than accurate since this Jem has Evos while my other
one has PAF Pros. The other Ibanezes I have there have older stuff as well, so
this shocked him.

The action is awesome, and he said that the frets are the best he has played on.
You got major props from him on that.

He played it while I was on the phone so I can hear it. It sounded very
different than what I thought it would, even over the phone I can hear this. I
am very happy that I bought this guitar. He said it is like a mix between a
strat and a tele, but something else as well. I guess this might make sense to
you since you have heard all the types of Jems that are out there. I have only
heard a few.

Anyways he says I will love it and it will be perfect for what I play. He said
whoever the guy was who set this up did the best job he has ever seen. He has
been playing guitar for a long time and putting up with me and my Ibanezes since
I started playing. For him to get this blown away i'm sure that you take your
job seriously and that goes a long way for me.

I have looked at some other guitars that you have and I got a few questions for
you. How do the Breed pickups compare to the Evos that are in the BSB? What
about the pickups in the 20th? Your site also said that you can get some of the
20th's from a friend who has some to unload, so are any of those still
available? Are they worth picking up? How heavy is it?

I wouldn't mind picking up another one or two before I get home, so let me know
which Jems you like the most, sound wise and playing wise. I also saw the blue
stained JS that you have. I really like the way it looked but haven't played
them long enough to know if they will work with my style of music. I know you
love the JS models, so maybe you can tell me more about them, comparing them to
a Jem would be perfect.

With my Dad being blown away by the work you have done and how this guitar plays
i'm sure to buy more. Let me know what you think of the other Jems, especially
the 20th and the ones with Breeds in them, and i'll see what we can do. Thank
you for all the work you have done to make this happen. I really need to come
back to the states to play this guitar and enjoy myself. Sometimes I wonder why
I came over here. Talk to you soon.

Steven, contractor in Iraq

7/25/08

Hi Rich,

I bought a Jem 7DBK from you five or six years ago and I never had the chance to
thank you properly! The setup was AMAZING; literally, the first night that I had
it I was doing stuff that I had previously thought
"impossible." I was in highschool at the time and the stuff that I could do
thanks to your setup just started blowing people out of the water. Long story
short, you are responsible for getting me laid for the first time! THANK YOU.
Now, 6 years, 1 college, 3 cities and 3 guitars later; this is, by miles, still
the best electric guitar that I have ever owned. I have
recommended this website to all of my guitar playing friends and the next time I
buy an electric guitar, it will definitely be from you!

Thank You so Much,

Javier,
Atlanta

Buy a guitar from Ibanez Rules and get laid!! ;)

[EDIT - Guaranteed carnal knowledge no longer available with new guitar
purchases]

9/20/08

Hey Rich,

I went out to the local music store (big chain) to pick up some strings and then
I spotted a JEM 7VWH. I couldn't resist the temptation to pick it off the wall
and play it. I was completely baffled by the difference. When I received the JEM
you sent me, it was in topnotch condition and to this day I haven't had to
change anything on the setup (just replaced the strings n-number of times) and
so I knew you did a great job. However, I would've never thought the difference
to be this big.
The JEM I played at the store was horrible compared to mine. The neck felt
rough, it sounded 'different' and the setup on it was, I assume, standard, which
is just really bad. They were even asking more than what I paid you.
I left the store with a HUGE smile on my face knowing that the JEM I bought from
you was the best possible guitar I could get with, IMHO, the best possible
setup! In short, you're worth every single penny you ask for guitars and setup.
I will never buy an Ibanez from anywhere else and would recommend others to do
the same. If you haven't bought a guitar from Rich, you are truly missing out!

Dom

9/22/08

Rich,

I just wanted to let you know that I received both of my Ibanez RG321's in cases
and was very excited. Upon opening each of the shipping boxes I immediately
realized that you do not skimp on packaging. These where packed as if I had
purchased a PGM321 or better "A NEWBORN BABY". I am impressed that you would
take such good care with such an inexpensive guitar. Ok, the cases are now open
and, BAM! "Those are the best looking frets that I have ever seen!" You take
great time, patience and pride in your work and for that I commend you. I can't
wait to get these ready for the plug! I'll send you pictures of the finished
project soon. You have just earned the trust of a lifelong customer and friend!

Thank you,

Nick Smith

When shipping Newborn Babies always remember to double diaper!

3/11/09

Rich,

The EGEN-18-TVF was delivered at 12:45 CDT this afternoon. Naturally, I was
called in to work and had to leave the the house at 12:35 for 2:00pm start in
the French Quarter. One of my roommates called and said "It's here".

I got home late; I would have written you sooner if it was possible.

Please pardon my language, but this guitar, and the set-up job you have done is
"FUCKING AWESOME!!!" I could write for hours about how fine this is, and I will
when I have time. Brother, you're even better than you THINK you KNOW you are!

I must go; I'm beat. I'll email to you the greatest accolades you've ever gotten
... just as soon as I get some sleep (don't call me before 10:00am, man).

I can't thank you enough, Rich. It's simply beautiful to the touch and it
absolutely SCREAMS. Do you set-up basses?

Tom

3/13/09

Hey Rich,

It's been 5 months since I last contacted you. Five months ago I ordered a
SV5470, and since then I've been playing it, a lot. And I've been wanting to
write you an email from the day I received it but Procrastination got the best
of me.

I want to start off by saying it was set-up perfectly, ZERO fret buzz, Fret ends
were very nice, and Pickup height was perfect.

But of course the sustain was pretty weak, but that's beyond your control and
all S series has that problem. And I also believe that it excels more in the
less heavy side of music, but once again, It's not your Problem

It's actually very hard to tell you everything I like about the guitar, because
there are completely no problems. I like how I play this guitar way more often
than any of my 5 other guitars namely, A gibson Les Paul Studio, A Fender
American Strat, a Gibson SG, a Schecter and a Fender American Tele. So I'm
pretty sure I Liek this guitar way more than the others.

I will be studying in New Jersey starting from next September, and I WILL order
another guitar from you to play the Heavier side of music then.

I hope to hear from you soon

Chris

3/19/09

Hi Rich,
maybe you remember, in March I got a 2007 RG8470F in Fire Agate from you, after
a long search and lots of e-mail ping-ping with you. I just returned from a trip
to Japan, where I had the chance to see and test lots and lots of J Customs from
different years, so I could do a comparison - btw, I am the guy who posted that
picture of the "J Customs on the wall"
in the Jemsite forum (threat about the new purple RG8570). What can I say, for
me, the guitar I got from you is pretty much the best I have seen so far. The
finish, the flame maple binding (boy, there are some huge differences there!),
the clear coat on the flame top, the book match seam quality, the fretwork,
everything. The Kurosawa-specific MRG-8 and MRG-9 topped all of the models in
the store in terms of quality (keep the EZ....) and beauty, but nonetheless, my
2007 FE truly rules.
Your detailed pictures and answers to my e-mail questions were
incredibly helpful before the decision, and I could now completely confirm that
I made the right choice of guitar and source. It's a joy to even just open the
case and stare at it, and even more when it comes alive while playing. Once
more, thanks so much - I shudder when I think that other people order
them from ebay sellers or other dubious sources without having such
detailed contact...and awesome pro-rebuilding, of course!
Keep it up!
best,
Christian (cm_17)

6/6/09

I have it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Rich !!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for all answers, thank you for the great communication we had
!!
You make buying a guitar an easy thing even buying it at the other side
of the earth !!!
You are great !!!!!! You are awesome !!!!!! You are the best !!!!!!!!
Thank you very very very much for what you do !!!!!!!!!

How can you not like a letter like that?

11/16/09

What's goin on? Ok, now that I've played with this thing
almost all night last night and most of the day today, I have to send you one of
those long, detailed, "you are the greatest guitar dude on earth" emails...
Ready? ok, brace yourself....

DAAAAAAMMMMNNNN!!!!!!

Ok, I don't know how you did it, but.....THIS IS THE BEST FEELING GUITAR I'VE
EVER PLAYED!!!!!

I've played lots of high end stuff, including other Jems, most of them backwards
because I'm left handed lol, but I just can't get over how this thing plays!!!!

The fretwork, fingerboard, neck, etc, is THE BEST I've ever seen or felt. The
neck feels like silk, the frets like "buttah", it's just unreal!

The neck and body are put together soooo well. The notes sustain for days, weeks
even lol. The whole guitar resonates as if it were one piece.

This is honest... I've played this guitar for two days straight, and played
looots of Steve Vai stuff (heavy whammy work), and I've touched the fine tuners
TWICE! Haven't even unlocked the nut yet, I haven't needed to, it won't go out
of tune!

The bridge floats better than any I've felt. Even after playing stuff like "the
audience is listening" etc etc....still in tune!! Honestly, the only adjustments
I've had to make tuning wise are probably due to the climate change and string
stretch, cause it sure as hell isn't the bridge :)

The action is fantastic. But after playing for two days I actually raised it
just a hair on both the bass and treble side, just so I could "grab" the notes a
little better. And if I want to raise the action, that means it was loooowwww....lol.
But it doesn't buzz much at all, especially considering how low and flat it is.

Oh, I love how you rounded and smoothed the ends of the frets. I didn't really
notice it until I picked up one of my other guitars and it felt horrible in
comparison lol. And it makes it look a lot "cleaner" and just, well, better :)

The fretwork really is amazing, you are a fretboard GOD! lol. Sorry, was that a
bit much?

To put all this more simply.... Have you ever seen the movie "Beerfest"? If not
its a great movie, go rent it :). If you have, you remember when they made the
beer with the "secret recipe", tasted it, and the clouds parted, angels sang,
etc etc etc.... This guitar is kind of like that ;)

Oh, a couple quick questions about this guitar specifically....

1. Did you put anything on the strings themselves to speed them up or is it just
the neck and fretwork that makes them feel so good?

2. What brand/type of fretboard oil do you use? Just bore oil, fret doctor or
what? How often would you recommend using it to keep it feeling this way?

3. If for some reason I decide to raise the action in the future, how much do
you think I could raise it without having to "add" relief? .1mm, .2? etc.

4. If you remember, what were the measurements for relief, bass side, and treble
side action? When I get my RG refretted I'm gonna have my local guy set it up
the same way if he can :). If I were to guess I'd say .2mm relief, and 1.1mm
bass and 1.0mm treble....something like that.

Ok, I guess that's enough ass kissin' lol, but you definately deserve it! The
wife is starting to get tired of me talking about it so much, but I just can't
help it, this guitar is just ridiculous. And it's not because it's a Jem, I've
played lots of those. Those are just "guitars".... This is damn near a work of
art!!!

Thank you for doing what you do, you're ridiculously good at it :) From now on,
any new Ibanez I buy will be from you. Anyone I know who wants to buy a guitar,
I'll tell them to come to you.

If I ever have any set up questions or whatever I might email you, but I doubt
I'm gonna change much on this guitar except for strings, it doesn't really need
it :).

Ok, gonna go play some more. At this rate these strings aren't gonna last the
rest of the weekend, but I have more..... ;)

Thanks,

Kevin

JEM7VWHL - I still hate lefties!! [the guitars, not the customers!]

11/21/09

The guitar (PGM401) is a GOD. YOU'RE A GOD! Now I can
die happy. It plays like a dream. I leveled up, just going to this guitar from
my Jackson. :P
You are the most awesome guitar guy on the earth. The setup is SO perfect.
Almost to perfect. Even my guitar teacher said "This guitar is almost too good
to play on" And he have played guitar some years more than me. Pickups were
awesome. I love the neck pickup. So creamy and nice. Bridge pickup is ok, but
you can't do anything bout that. It's still VERY good.

And of course you. You are so awesome. Answers mail in minutes, when other
people use 2-4 days to answer one mail. Holy moly. 1 1/2 month with mailing, and
you still didn't block me. And everybody.
DO NOT BE AFRAID TO BUY FROM THIS GUY. I promise you 100% it delivers. I was, of
course a bit sceptical paying 2000$ to an unknown person in america (I'm from
norway) but after a week and a half, my guitar arrived. Even in tune!
Buy from Rich. You won't regret.

So thank you Rich. For an early christmas present, and for having no
alternatives next time I buy an Ibanez :P
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year :D

12/23/09

Rich,

You have done it. I am pleasantly amazed by this. You have simply exceeded my
expectations, in every category, across the board.

I usually NEVER write a company to thank them or commend them for their quality.
Usually because in today's world, companies do not deliver anything but the bare
minimum. And generally far less than that.

While I was initially skeptical about spending the additional money for a "pro
set-up" - I figured that I would give it a try to see the difference your work
would make.

Answer: A hell of a lot of difference!

Like most of your customers (and Jem owners in general) I own multiple Jems from
different production years and models. I can honestly say that the '03 VSBL I
received from you is absolutely the best set-up guitar I have ever owned. This
guitar plays the way I imagine "Flo" and "Evo" would, and I have your
exceptional skill and experience to thank for that.

Your attention to detail is immediately apparent upon receiving a new guitar
from your shop. The packaging was bombproof, and the care taken on the inside of
the case to make sure the guitar did not shift or bounce around showed that you
really take the extra time in every detail of preparation. As I slowly and
carefully un-cased this Jem, I also noticed that there was not a single - no,
not one - fingerprint on this guitar. These are the "little" things that other
companies seem to miss the boat on, and they simply cannot fathom why this level
of care would be important to customers who are spending thousands of dollars.

Then there is the guitar itself. Amazing, truly amazing. The action, the neck
set up, the trem angle and intonation and on and on and on... I noticed the
perfect placement of the shims under the saddles and the flawless prep you do to
clean a fingerboard so that it is in better condition than when it left the
factory. And not the least important factor, the guitar was absolutely as
described on your web site and documented in your extensive photos. All of these
things are HUGE to me!!

I have read nothing but positive comments on websites the world over, and have
spoken directly to people from around the country - all of which have nothing
but great things to say about you, your shop, and your incredible attention to
detail. I have not run across a single person that would not recommend you fully
or purchase from you again. I am wholeheartedly in this category of customers.

This is not the first Jem that I have purchased from you, but it was the first
to receive your special touch, and I would say again that it was worth every
penny.

Please don't ever retire. Or die, or go on vacation, or anything else for that
matter that would take you away from our community of customers that understand
and appreciate what it is that you do.

Sincerely,

Now lifelong customer - Rob Parks
Denver, Colorado

12/23/09

I dunno if you remember me, but I bought a JS1200CA
from you a few months
back. I just thought I'd drop you a line and let you know how it's been.
Straight up, it's the best guitar I've ever played on, and my co-worker who
is a HUGE guitar player with a sizable collection himself agrees it's the
best he's ever played. The tone is perfect, the action being so low has
really helped me develop into a better player with a light but deliberate
touch, and best of all the thing just LOOKS perfect. However, something
really special happened on Sunday. Joe himself signed my guitar just below
the tuning pegs on the back of the head.

I now have a JS1200 guitar, bought from the best guitar tech on the planet,
signed by the best guitar player on the planet. Thank you for your
attention to detail, reachability before, during and after the purchase, and
for your deep commitment to excellence. Feel free to use me as a reference
in the future, I know I'll never buy a guitar from anyone else but you.

Again, thank you.

Q

3/16/10

Hey Rich,

Michael Rusher here. I'm the birthday boy that my daughter and wife purchased
the JS1200 platinum setup for back in May.

Just a short note to say thanks for making a nice guitar an incredible
instrument. I have had a couple of weeks to play this thing now, all I can say
is "WOW", it's truly a monster.

Thanks again Rich for all of your hard work and dedication.

"Mikie likes it"

BTW, thanks for the B-day card is was great!!

Have a good one

Best

Michael Rusher

PS, Rich, you should consider making a few videos on how to take care of and the
maintenance on the setups that you do for your customers. I realize you have a
ton of info in your tech section, but videos would bring that home. Sell them
for $40.00 a pop, Hell, I would have bought one. I know you're a busy man,
something to think about.

6/6/10

Rich,

Woo hoo! Canít wait.

Yes, I need it set up, as Iím going to play it to death from the minute I get it
in my hands. My wife has already told our kids that they can anticipate that
they wonít see me for some time after I get the guitar, as Iíll be playing it
incessantly. Smart woman. I recall you saying that it didnít require fretwork,
and I did read everything on the pick page, in fact, more than once, just
because I enjoyed it so much. As I understand it from the pick page, the trem
needs set up, and the neck needs to be shimmed. I saw the disclaimer, and have
no problem with it. I know you will do your best to avoid any paint chipping,
but if the cover needs to be removed to work on it (and it appears that it does,
unlike the JEM trem covers with the slot that allows you to get a screwdriver in
there without removing the cover), then that is just a risk that has to be
taken. Glad to hear that so far, you havenít had any issues with taking off a
cover. Iíll keep my fingers crossed that your good luck continues.

Let me know if I missed anything.

Many thanks again for all your efforts at putting all of this together. It is
well worth the expense to be able to see and pick from a number of instruments,
as well as having someone with your dedication and skill setting up the
instrument. Iím still amazed every time I pick up my JEM at how much better it
feels than the other guitars I own. I will only purchase an Ibanez from you.
Thatís why I had asked you last winter if you handled the EP-9 acoustics. And
why I was delighted when you were able to get your hands on enough instruments
to accommodate those of us on the wait list.

Paul

6/22/10

Rich,

I wanted to let you know I got the guitar and goodies.

Everything is in perfect order. Man I wish more people packed guitars
the way you do.

I am extremely happy with the purchase. I truly could not believe how
vibrant the colors are on these swirls. I did not get much chance to
play it, but for the short time I did fiddle, it felt great. I was
surprised to open the case. The guitar really does jump out at you.
You are correct, pictures don't do any of these guitars justice.

Thanks again for everything. You are fantastic to do business with, and
I do appreciate the work you have done and the time and effort involved
in this particular project.

THANKS AGAIN AND A TON!!!!

Chris

6/28/10

Rich,

Just finally had a chance to spend a few hours with my new Jem FP2. I am
grinning like a kid on Christmas morning. I don't know that I have ever played a
guitar this felt this good from the moment I touched it. There's literally
nothing I would change about it, it plays like a dream. Without a doubt it was
worth the 6 month wait to get. It's an amazing guitar, and you did a fantastic
job in setting it up. The difference between your setup job and the typical one
you see on the shelf of Guitar Center, is like comparing a Ferrari to a Yugo --
there's not even a discussion there.

Thank you again for the great work on the guitar, your patience in answering all
my questions, and your great advice along the way. You have a customer for life
now and I know I'll never buy an Ibanez from anyone else ever again as long as
you're in business.

Thank you!

Victor

9/21/10

Hey man! I just want to say thank you for the time you
put into my guitar. Hands down the most comfortable playing guitar I own. My
first three guitars were Ibanez and I have always loved Ibanez. I was endorsed
by ESP in my younger days. I received free guitars set up to my specifications
and the playability out of the case of your guitar far surpasses any ESP I
received. I have also had my guitars setup by a local tech here in Dallas and
your setup is far better. I would definitely recommend your service to my
friends or anyone who is looking for a quality guitar at a great price with
professional setup. Thanks again, looking forward to doing business with you in
the future!

Chris Ramirez

10/2/10

Hey Rich, I got the guitar yesterday, and would've
emailed you then but I was too busy playing! The setup is great, strings nice
and low so they have a bit of snap to 'em, and the fretjob you did on it is
incredible! Has a sort of super-smooth broken-in feel without the actual wear
and tear of being used. This is easily the most awe-inspiring guitar I've ever
owned, and I've owned about 15 or so since I've been playing (Gibsons, Fenders,
Epiphones, ESPs, Peaveys, and other Ibanezes). Much thanks again! Now I have a
dumb question where I'm probably just overlooking something simple: how do you
get the tremolo bar to stay in? There's no kind of flange or anything on it,
just a straight bar, and it doesn't "pop in".

10/5/10

AT100CL - I still can't understand why Ibanez and Andy would go without a bar
retainer!!

I happen to love the color as well. Can't believe that
no one else scooped this up before I saw it, but once I did - it was over for
me. Simply a must have.

My buddies will now be jealous of the set up this has too! Thanks again for the
phenomenal attention to detail that you consistently show.

Not to say that it would be easy to do what you do, by any means, but I think
some others out there might be able to do a good job - every once in a while, or
when they are really trying to impress.

I will say that I am most amazed by you, because you continually and
consistently surpass your customer's expectations across the board.

You are, very much - the man.

Sincerely, and still life-long customer,

Rob Parks

1/20/11

Got it! Everything about the set up down to the fret
edges and even the careful packaging is phenomenal. I'm not sure if I should
play it or take it out to dinner and a movie.... I'll make sure to post a
positive review or two in the forums over the next few days.

JS1000JP 3/25/11

[replied]

Nothing more needed on your behalf but to treat her right. Don't beat her
even if she talks back, don't be stepping out and cheating on her with any Jem's,
and she will respond very well to dinner and a movie. Just make sure to order
her a salad, she's already getting a little hefty in the waist!! [don't tell her
i said that!!!]

Hi Rich!

Just wanted to let you know the P3 arrived here in Milwaukee a few
days ago. I've been playing it daily since then and I can say for 100%
sure that it arrived in perfect shape from its journey on the UPS
trucks. Not so much as a loose screw. I can also say that this is
without a doubt the most amazingly well-set-up and comfortable and
cared-for axe I've ever received. You do amazing work, I'm
recommending you to every other player I know, and I can't imagine
buying another Ibanez that doesn't come from you. I compared the
set-up you did to my UV777 (factory "set up" only) and my PGM 301
(quickie set-up by a local guy) and the difference in feel and
playability between them is quite honestly astonishing.

So! Thanks for a great guitar. You do incredible work, and I
appreciate the hell out of it.

Best,
Dan

7/1/11

Rich, holy crap! I received my guitar yesterday and got
to use is it at rehearsal last night before we go to the studio tomorrow. I
couldn't be happier with the sound and feel of this guitar. Keep doing what you
are doing. You freakin kick ass. There is obviously passion in what you do and
it shows in the way you conduct your business. Thanks again and hopefully one
day I can do business with you again.

Don't forget to check us out.
www.injusticedown.com

Matthew Smithey

7/1/11

Hi Rich, the guitar got here late Wednesday and I
couldn't pick it up until late Thursday because of work. Just got to play it a
little bit today before work, everything is PERFECT. Thank you again for your
service, prompt responses, great packing, the price and maybe most importantly,
how up-front you were about showing the tiny blem on the body. I really
appreciate good customer service and follow up, especially when I know the
individual is a busy person. Many thanks again, hopefully this is only my first
purchase from you!

John

8/5/11

Rich,

I received my guitar and it is in great shape.

It plays great and I see a big difference in this one vs the other 5 that I played. They all had string deadness on the wound strings from about the 13th fret going up toward the bridge and those were set with much higher action than the one I have now. They also had other various places with uneven frets. This guitar sounds great and no dead strings or abnormal fret buzzing from the first to the last fret. I have not worked the tremlo much yet but pulled up and down on it a few times and it statys in tune. You did an outstanding job on this and you have another very happy customer. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me and answer my questions. It was refreshing to talk with someone that is genuine and not just trying to say something to make a sale. If anyone I know is looking for an Ibanez or I see someone asking on one of these online sites I will not hesitate to tell them to order from you if they want a nice playable instrument and not just a guitar.

Thanks

John

9/5/12 - RG920QM [WOW it's been a long time since I added something to this page, I so rarely do even though I get these letter all the time]

Dear Rich,

Thank you for the perfect guitar. This is the first guitar that I am happy to
have. I bought my other guitars from other sites and they all have flaws, so I
always assumed that it is normal for guitars to have flaws ( uneven left & right
side quilted maple, neck joint finish cracks, crocked frets, etc.).

And thank you for letting me know, and fixing the too tight neck pocket, which
could have created neck joint finish cracks in the future.

I have never experienced such commitment to excellence and pride of work, most
people want to do a good job but profit is their main priority. I am sure no
other dealer would have done all the extra work to correct flaws and throw in a
free case. Thank you.

Regards,
EK

12/15/12 - RG1XXVFPK

Howdy Rich,

I've taken the time to go over the guitar and give some
feedback just for good measure.

Immaculate beyond what I could've imagined in many ways.
The setup was spot on, perhaps a touch too low for my own good, but I did
mention I like it low, and it's about as low as I could ever want. I do hit
harder than I thought, but it's just the tinniest little bit of buzz that I
really don't notice anymore. I think the guitar has settled to the point that
it's just so sweet and expressive to play. I did try and adjust the guitar but
after raising the string height a touch I realized I would need to adjust the
truss rod and I wasn't about to get myself stuck in a perpetual game of
setup/play over and over to find what setting I would be more comfortable with.
I just lowered the string height and it fell back into place.

Along with the setup the fret dressing you gave is
totally noticeable and appreciated; the frets allow bending and sliding like
butter and the sheen is something I hadn't seen until I had my other S's frets
dressed in the summer. The balance between frets is also sweet; proper radiusing
aside,the guitar doesn't feel out of place, and allows me to play light and soft
as well as hard aggressive without worrying about hitting the notes and chords
right. I can dig in and it responds better than any other guitar I've played
ever. Intonation was bang on, not to mention the guitar was perfectly in tune
out of the case.

I observed and feel that the neck pocket has been
augmented, i.e. I feel you shimmed the neck joint (closest to the body) to align
the neck with the body correctly. Not sure what type of shims, but I dare not
touch the neck bolts for fear of throwing the neck out of alignment the shims.
The lower left neck bolt looks to be inserted further into the body of the
guitar than the other bolts. I'm not sure if you cut the bolt to be shorter, or
simply augmented the hole that the bolt screws in to, but my guess is that was
not done at the factory. My only concern with the neck joint is that the lower
section of the neck doesn't make contact with the body; the back and upper
section of the neck are tightly fitted to the joint, and I'm guessing again that
when you aligned the neck with the body that the gap is a necessary evil for
this modification.

The ZR2 trem system is pretty sweet, but when I received
the guitar the bar wiggled ever so slightly within the bridge. I do enjoy the
click-in tremolo bar with the torque screw, and at first I thought more torque
on the screw would give me that little extra tightness to negate the wiggle, but
it wasn't until the other day that I took the back plate off and minutely
tightened the screw located on the bottom of the tremolo bar socket. Prior to
this there was a bit of squeaking when using the arm that developed after a few
weeks, and my only option at the time was some synthetic bicycle chain oil that
originally took the squeak away, but didn't eliminate the wiggle. The slight
screw adjustment on the socket has, I feel, removed that undesirable wiggle, and
the bar will sit where I want it without it be too tight.

I haven't quite figured it out yet, but the bridge
cavity appears to be smaller and yet the bar will loosen the strings a lot more
than my Korean S, not to mention I get 4 1/2 hole tones of pull up perfect every
time; unreal. Again there is a precision to this guitar that allows me to
conjure the movements and thoughts in my head with the guitar, and it will
execute them with ease every time.

I've come across reviews that indicate that certain "A"
notes above the 12th fret don't ring too long (not enough sustain) and I do feel
that certain notes don't hold, but only when I'm playing very quietly on my
practice amp (Roland Micro Cube RX). When I have the volume above 1/4 on either
clean or distorted I'm not really hearing the dissipation too hard. I could be
because I play too fast but I feel that It won't affect me in the long run. I'm
pretty happy with the pickups as well, I can get screams and squeals a lot
easier and the middle pickup, being so low, allows me to play with dynamics on
the same amp setting (it never hurt to have a little less distortion for rhythm
playing without having to touch my amp).

I think that pretty much covers it. Thank you again Rich
for an amazing instrument. I was debating whether or not to bring this with me
to Mexico for a year against my other S, and this one wins hands down for
overall awesomeness. If I have any further questions I'll shoot you a line.

Rock on!

Tyler

S570Q - Reviewed 3 months after receipt. I like these because they
demonstrate feedback after living and using the instrument for some time, and
not just the new guitar euphoria some will exhibit just because they have a new
toy ;)

Hi mate,

Guitars arrived :-) rich if I was to have one "critique"
here brother It would be our interpretations of "near mint". excuse the french
here but this thing looks nearly fucking show room!

Set up is PERFECT,thanks for doing the screws for me
mate,the poles in the EVO's are nowhere near as corroded as they look in the
photos & the same for the scratch plate.you gotta look for the blemishes in the
chroming as opposed to how you've made them stand out in the pics.but
obviously you've got a collectors eye where as im just a player. it leapt out of
the case at me like a lion & needs nothing more for me to do other than to get
used to it.nada to be done at all to improve the esthetic as I previously
envisioned. looks all but brand new..

I can't rave
enough about the packaging either.like a thumb in a bum & providing some bobble

Head doesn't toss
a boogie MK IV combo on it enroute she should reach the Phil's as good as you
shipped It.oh
maybe the strings will be a little worn by then ;-)

My only regret
with this transaction rich is we can't do more bro.BUT...if I ever decide to
"upgrade" this to a 10th one day you'll be the FIRST guy I call no risk.

It was a pleasure
doing business with you rich, I sincerely mean that mate.

Clock up another
disciple!

Cheers,

Ray

USED JEM90th

Rich,

Itís been a while, but I just wanted to drop you a note. I
got the JS1200 from you several years ago. While playing a gig last night I
just had one of those moments that reminded me of how much I love the guitar. I
have to attribute a great majority of that to how you have set it up and the
love you gave to it before shipping it out. I have played on a couple of JSs
out in the world and none feel as good as this one. Your set up has lasted all
this time and the fret care is still the stuff that I hold all other guitars
too. Kuddos to you and the work you do, and I hope business is going well for
you.

Shane

I hate spending money, it makes me nervous before I do it
which is why I research everything over $20 to hell and back but it also makes
me nervous when I get it. My anxiety often gets in the way of the enjoyment of
my purchases. As soon as I opened the case it was different. This is the first
guitar I've owned that has played as good as it looks (or better even). I've
always loved the necks on the Ibanez prestige 7 strings but this is even better
than I remember and it just goes to show how far a good setup can take you. Even
though it isn't an apples to apples comparison this blows the 6 string Jackson
soloists out of the water that I've owned for me personally and those are some
of my all time favorite guitars.

I just wanted to thank you. Your customer service is better
than any big box store by far (surprise, surprise) but it is even better than my
semi-custom experience and brick and mortar small shop experiences combined.
Your prices are an excellent value regardless of how far up the service chain
you go. Your work speaks for itself, which is why you are still in business I
predict but even more importantly you have gained a lot of respect in the Ibanez
community. The only thing you've done wrong in my book is only sell Ibanez
(ha!). I even contacted you a long time ago about my interest in the Premium
RG920 and you were respectful and patient despite me backing out of that
purchase.

I'm a big fan of Japanese guitars, namely ESP and Ibanez,
so this definitely won't be my last and you can be sure that I won't settle for
any other shop but yours. I'll be keeping an eye out for the 6 string offerings
Ibanez has planned.

...by the way, I got it!

12/2/13 - S5427TKS Silver

Hey Rich,

This made my day. I canít stop playing it. Iíve played a lot of guitars, but I
just seem to dig Ibanez necks the most. I love how these whammys stay in tune
when you do double stop bends. I know you canít flutter them unless you remove
the counter spring set, but how often do you need to flutter? I also like the
rounded fret ends, the swing-out truss rod cover, the tremolo arm tension
collar, the lack of a string tree, and the fact that any position on the 5-way
switch is noise cancelling and I still get some pretty convincing single-coil
sounds.

I was concerned that the action at the nut might be high after reading how you
have to adjust those. Just eyeballing it, it looks pretty low, so thatís a
relief. (no pun intended)

I would never buy an Ibanez elsewhere. I told my guitar buddies about your site.
After checking out your site and drooling over the sweet Ibbyís for years, I was
able to finally get one. I just knew it would be trouble-free, and this was an
exceptional deal. Thank you so much. I am in Ibanez heaven.

John

8/8/2014 - RG920MQM - [been awhile since I added one of
these, didn't want you to think they weren't still constantly coming in! ;)]

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